496 HO's water pump and thermostat
 

I have a 33 Baja w/ 2x 496HO's w/ approx. 60 hrs. Smartcraft started beeping at end of season. Advised today that I need a water pump and thermostat. Further advised not covered by warranty and that the engine has to be pulled? I know nothing,,,,does this sound right? TIA.

ttt

if the bilge appears tight then you may just have to pull the engines to do the water pumps. the removal of the pump itself is a little involved due to all the attachments of accesories on that engine. you can remove the body of the pump without removing the entire pump, and then rebuild on the bench and reinstall. but you need the room to get in there properly. if you dont have it then you will need to remove the engines.

as for coverage ,it depends on the dealer or marina and how they approach the sceneario.

Thanks for the reply.

Not sure about the thermostat, but you shouldn't need a new water pump with only 60 hours. Probably just a new impeller, and I would replace them on both engines. The entire pumps can be removed without pulling the motors in a 33 Outlaw, no problem. If you lost an impeller, the raw water system will need backflushed at the least.

You might want to post this somewhere other than prop talk.

They are a b1tch to get to - but pull the motors?? Wow ....

been there done that inspect your impeller and clean your oil cooler when that is resticted just a little it makes to much pressure ,sets off alarm

Thanks for all of the replies.

No way you should have to pull the engines to change the waterpumps or Tstats in a 33OL.

Easiest way to replace a water pump is with engine removed, but that is a LOT of work for a $40 part.

How much room is between your forward engine bulkhead and the pulleys? You will need a minimum of three inches to get ratchets in there, and pull the idler pulleys and the water pump assembly off of their respective studs/remove their bolts.

BoatFreak28 here on OSO has a 28AT with a 496HO. He has perfected a way to remove the impeller housing while leaving the idler pulleys and water pump mounting assembly alone.

I know its tough, and I don't know if it could be done on a Port side twin engine setup. You would definitely have to know where you are going.

An full service marina may be able to remove and replace an engine quicker that doing the second method above. Then, they have to check and re-align the engines which is another expense, but important to do as a regular maintenance item.

If they are pulling the engine(s) might as well have them give the flywheels, starters, oil coolers, and oil pan bolts thorough checks/once overs.

I have almost 2 feet between my engine bulkhead and the pulleys. I can swap out an impeller in about 15 minutes while at sea.
http://members.cox.net/activethunder...ines_small.jpg

My buddy 3 miles away has a new 33 Outlaw. If I get the chance to peek under his hatch potentially tonight, I will post my opinion if it can be done w/o pulling the engine.

Also, there is no thermostat in the Sea Water side of your cooling system. There is a thermostat in the AntiFreeze side of your cooling system. I have (knock on wood) never heard of a thermostat going bad in a 496HO.

What's their reasoning? If you do have them replace the thermostat, WATCH them do it, and take your 'bad' part home and place it in boiling water to verify that it is bad.

the back part of the seat comes out if you cant figure that out! you should pay your local merc mecanic to fix it

My understanding is that the work has been done. I haven't yet rec'd the bill. I did ask for an estimate before they did it but got none. I'm waiting for the bill before reacting. :confused: :confused:

Hi guys, have a baja 33 2003 with 496 ho's (250 hrs), does anyone changed a f__ sea pump without removing the engin or the back seat rigg. TIGHT (right side)... Took me a 6 pack to convince myself to make it, but still st-by on the job to do... Pulley ass'y came off by it self yesterday... bearing are stiff and rusted.
Almost ordered a pump ass'y..but waiting to see the whole thing first. Thx in advance for tips.

Not TopShape...for now...

Like CrayolaCrazy said, take the back part of the back seat out. The bearings can be replaced (whole shaft assy), but inspect your impeller housing because it can be worn if sand or debris has been pumped through it. Then decide on if a whole new pump is needed.

Thx for reply ! Just ordered the whole ass'y... $371 shipped. I will try with a snake camera and small monitor to do the surgery, we'll see how it goes, but not sure...

Unable to find R&R finally to get their kits

Here is a site for a rebuild kit. I havent tried one yet.

http://www.jcmarinellc.com/water_pump_kit.htm

Done deal job !! Simply remove back rest seat only...(2 bolts), Found after 1st one done that by removing the whole bracket of the seapump makes it much quicker to swap. 2 nd was made within 30 minutes. I'm set for a while with 2 bnew setup. I'll check this rebuilt site shortly.
Thx guys.